Sunlit Ridge

Over the hill, straight for the sun we were riding
My eyes were filled with light

Chestnut Mare, The Byrds

A long overdue visit to cousin C in Rhymni today, to catch up on aeons of family news. These visits are also an opportunity to explore more about the landscape that shapes me, as C has considerable background knowledge of the area. Over a coffee to unwind after my journey up the valley we planned our time ahead, beginning with a trip for lunch across the ridge to Tredegar for lunch at the Olympia.

I got to sit and admire the landscape as we threaded our way through the woodland along the mountain road, up to Cefn Golau. Excitement for me as we pass a buzzard perched bolt upright on a fence post at the side of the road. It positively glows, it's pale breast feathers contrasting with the deep dark shadows of the surrounding woodland. My initial excitement is immediately heightened as we sight another two perched on tress on the opposite side of the road. No big deal in birding terms, but a real treat to see them so close, and three of them!

My interest in them stems from a long held enthusiasm for bird-watching, and more recently the Shamanic perspective of birds as messengers of the gods. Their appearance invariably stirs excitement and attention, and they are masters in flight, Lords of the Air. Their eyesight is prodigious,as they soar on the thermals barely visible from the earth, scouting for their next meal.

As we leave the shelter of the woods we approach the rise to the ridge, so named because although the rest of the area could be shrouded in cloud and mist, Cefn Golau would invariably be well lit .

The remains of the old Cholera Cemetery are still there on the ridge, just a few standing stones to mark the graves of those who died in several outbreaks in the nineteenth century.

And so the photo today comes from next to the cemetery at Cefn Golau, the roof of the world here. And true to its name, the sun breaks through to light the ridge as I drive past on my way home.

Lunch at the Olympia is interspersed with reminiscing about the days when it was a cinema, and the youngsters would come over from the next valley to enjoy the splendid luxury of cinema from upholstered seats. Simple pleasures which I remember from the days in the local cinemas, not surprisingly names The Bug Hutch and Flea Pit respectively .